The  Atlantic  City  Conference 

ON 

INTER-CHURCH  ACTIVITIES 

HELD  IN  THE 

St.  James  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 

ATLANTIC  CITY,  N.  J. 

JUNE  3,  4,  1915 


CALLED  BY 

The  Federd  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America 

RELATIVE  TO  THE  FORMATION  OF  A 

/ 

Commission  on  Federated  Movements 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/atlanticcityconfOOfede 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  following  statement  and  report  of  the  Atlantic  City  confer- 
ence are  presented  in  this  form  that  the  delegates,  officers  of  various 
denominational  and  interdenominational  organizations,  and  other  espe- 
cially interested  Christian  leaders,  may  have  permanently  available  the 
facts  of  this  significant  undertaking  up  to  the  appointment  of  the  com- 
mission. 

The  steps  necessary  for  the  nominations  of  members  of  the  commis- 
sion and  for  the  complete  outline  of  the  proposed  work  must  be  taken 
unhurriedly,  and  only  after  conference  with  all  the  agencies  immediately 
interested.  The  approved  minutes  of  the  conference  upon  pages  8 
to  13  may  be  of  small  value  except  as  a record,  but  the  findings  which 
were  so  unanimously  adopted,  upon  pages  11  to  13  are  of  intense 
interest  to  all  who  long  for  a strong  working  fellowship  for  the  King- 
dom of  God.  Without  apparent  exception,  those  who  were  present  at 
Atlantic  City  concurred  in  the  proposed  program. 

All  went  away  with  a deep  conviction  that  the  contemplated  effort, 
if  prayerfully  and  wisely  administered,  has  possibilities  of  large  results 
in  helping  the  forces  of  North  America  in  the  taking  the  next  decided 
step  in  advance  in  a 

UNITED  CHRISTIAN  PROGRAM. 

Lest  too  much  may  be  expected  within  a limited  time,  it  is  im- 
portant to  emphasize  the  fact  that  according  to  the  plan  adopted  the 
commission  will  have  under  contemplation  a long  period  of  thorough- 
going constructive  work,  and  will  only  proceed  after  the  fullest  investi- 
gation of  what  seems  to  be  the  wisest  methods  of  meeting  so  great  an 
issue. 


1 


y 


2 


THE  CALL. 


For  several  months  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  ot  Christ 
in  America  has  had  under  consideration  an  enlarged  effort  in  federated 
Christian  work  involving  State,  National,  Inter-National  and  Inter- 
Denominational  movements,  and  also  local  collective  church  programs. 
In  recognition  of  this  need  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Federal 
Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  at  its  meeting  in  Rich- 
mond appointed  a special  committee  to  confer  with  kindred  organiza- 
tions which  would  be  directly  interested  and  to  take  such  steps  as 
were  deemed  expedient  in  furthering  the  plan. 

The  Committee  held  frequent  conferences  with  representatives  ot 
the  Societies  which  are  interested  in  the  undertaking  and  met  always 
and  everywhere  with  the  utmost  Christian  cordiality  and  deep  concern 
for  the  plan.  A very  general  desire  was  expressed  that  a thoroughly 
representative  conference  might  be  held  at  which  the  work  under  con- 
templation might  be  considered  and  the  wisest  methods  of  procedure 
developed. 

Therefore  the  program  for  the  sessions  at  Atlantic  City,  June  3rd 
and  4th  has  been  arranged  for  the  direct  purpose  of  considering: 

FIRST:  What  such  a Commission  can  do  in  assisting  existing 
Denominational  and  Inter-Denominational  organizations  in  a 
more  complete  and  aggressive  united  work. 

SECOND:  What  such  a Commission  can  do  to  further  the  ideals 
of  local  and  state  Church  Eederations. 

THIRD:  What  lessons  are  of  value  in  the  actual  experiences 
already  at  hand  in  Christian  work  of  this  character. 

FOURTH:  What  immediate  steps  can  be  taken  in  the  creation 
of  a Commission  to  deal  with  these  matters  as  a part  of  the 
organization  of  the  Federal  Council  if  such  action  is  deemed 
advisable. 

The  following  is  the  basis  of  representation: 

FIRST:  Representatives  of  the  Federal  Council. 

SECOND:  Representatives  of  the  various  organizations  naturally 
related  to  this  undertaking. 

THIRD:  Representatives  of  the  Religious  Press. 

EOURTH:  Representatives  of  the  Local  Church  and  State  Fed- 
erations. 

The  central  theme  of  the  entire  conference  will  be  the  prayerful 
consideration  of  the  possibilities  of  another  advance  step  in  “working 
together”  among  the  Christian  forces  of  North  America 

At  the  opening  session  the  Committee  will  present  its  report  and 
recommendations  upon  which  the  discussions  will  proceed.  A Com- 
mittee on  Findings  will  be  appointed  to  make  recommendations  based 
on  the  discussions. 


(Signed) 

FRED  B.  SMITH,  Chairman 
ALFRED  WMS.  ANTHONY 
SAMUEL  Z.  BATTEN 
JOHN  M.  GLENN 
ALBERT  G.  LAWSON 
CHARLES  S.  MACFARLAND 
(Ex-Officio)  Secretary. 


3 


ORGANIZATIONS  PARTICIPATING. 


International  Sunday  School  Association. 

Sunday  School  Council  of  Evangelical  Denominations. 

International  Committee  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association. 
National  Board  of  the  Young  Women’s  Christian  Associations. 
United  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor. 

Epworth  League. 

Baptist  Young  People’s  Union. 

Brotherhood  of  Saint  Andrew. 

Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and  Philip. 

Denominational  Brotherhoods. 

Adult  Bible  Class  Movements. 

Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement. 

Missionary  Education  Movement. 

Home  Missions  Council. 

Council  of  Women  for  Home  Missions. 

Religious  Press  Association. 

State  Pederations. 

Local  Federations  or  Councils. 


4 


REPORT  OF  SPECIAL  COMMITTEE  ON  FEDERATED  MOVEMENTS. 

(Presented  by  Mr.  John  M.  Glenn  to  the  conference.) 

Foreword. 


The  Committee  appointed  to  arrange  for  this  conference,  after  a 
careful  consideration  of  the  purpose  of  the  same,  has  decided  to  place 
before  you,  unchanged,  the  document  which  was  submitted  to  the  par- 
ticipating organizations  when  asked  to  send  representatives  and  which 
was  approved  February  11,  1914,  by  the  Administrative  Committee  of 
the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 


PROPOSED  COMMISSION  ON  FEDERATED  MOVEMENTS. 


Preamble. 


The  appointment  of  a Commission  is  proposed  in  recognition  of 
two  vital  particulars  in  which  there  is  a strong  conviction  that  the 
Federal  Council  can  render  a yet  greater  service  for  the  Kingdom  of  God 
through  the  churches  and  the  allied  Christian  organizations. 

First.  In  bringing  the  various  kindred  Christian  Organizations 
into  closer  fraternal,  co-operative  relations  with  each  other  and  with 
the  Federal  Council. 

It  is  manifest  that  such  organizations  as  the  International  Sunday 
School  Association,  the  Sunday  School  Council  of  Evangelical  De- 
nominations, the  International  Committee  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian 
Association,  the  National  Board  of  the  Young  Women’s  Christian  As- 
sociations, the  Missionary  Education  Movement,  the  Laymen’s  Mission- 
ary Movement,  the  Home  Missions  Council,  the  Brotherhoods,  Adult 
Bible  Class  Movement,  the  Young  People’s  Societies,  and  other  similar 
organizations,  can  only  render  their  largest  good  when  kept  in  intimate 
relations  and  in  an  actually  unified  program.  The  Commission  will  seek 
to  advance  this  ideal. 

Second.  In  organizing  inspiring  and  advising  Local  and  State 
Church  Federations. 

No  community  with  two  or  more  churches  may  hope  to  realize  the 
largest  results  for  the  Kingdom  unless  there  is  some  form  of  collective 
effort  by  which  those  elements  of  Christian  work  common  to  the  whole 
community  can  be  energetically  prosecuted.  Some  very  remarkable 
work  is  being  done  in  several  cities,  but  the  whole  country  needs  such 
a plan  continuously  promoted. 

Personnel  of  the  Commission. 


The  Commission  ought  to  be  composed  of  members  elected  by  the 
participating  societies  and  appointed  by  the  Federal  Council  upon  a 
basis  to'  be  determined  by  the  later  conferences. 


5 


FUNCTIONS. 


As  Related  to  Participating  Societies. 


I.  The  Commission  might  undertake  to  hold  annually,  or  at  such 
intervals  as  might  later  be  deemed  prudent,  a conference  of  these  or- 
ganizations for  the  purpose  of  bringing  all  the  work  undertaken  or 
planned  by  each  to  the  full  knowledge  of  the  others.  If  duplication  was 
apparent  it  could  be  eventually  overcome,  and  where  omissions  were 
discovered  they  could  be  assigned  to  the  most  logical  agency,  thus 
presenting  not  simply  a friendly  spirit  among  these  organizations,  but 
a complete  forceful  unity  of  effort  upon  the  common  cause. 

II.  The  Commission  could  co-operate  in  keeping  these  societies  in 
close  relation  by  an  inter-change  of  literature  such  as  prospecti,  pro- 
grams, convention  and  conference  reports;  also  by  arranging  for  occa- 
sional fraternal  inter-change  of  public  presentation  of  the  work  of  the 
constituent  societies  in  the  larger  conventions  of  each  of  these  organiza- 
tions. 

III.  The  Commission  could  make  a marked  feature  of  the  presenta- 
tion of  the  general  work  done  and  proposed  by  these  movements  at 
the  Quadrennial  meeting  of  the  Federal  Council.  One  day  during  the 
Conference  might  profitably  be  set  aside  for  this  purpose. 


As  Related  to  Local  Federations. 


I.  The  Commission  ought  to  advocate  by  secretarial  field  visita- 
tion, through  the  religious  press,  and  by  literature,  the  organization  of 
a worthy  church  federation  in  every  community  where  two  or  more 
churches  are  located. 

II.  The  Commission  ought  to  seek  by  the  same  methods  to  pro- 
mote the  efficiency  of  these  church  federations  so  that  the  fundamental 
community  issues  may  be  continuously  met. 

III.  The  Commission  ought  to  become  a clearing  house  among  all 
the  federations  of  the  country,  imparting  the  good  news  of  striking 
achievements  in  various  cities  aAd  also  giving  warning  concerning  plans 
which  have  failed  at  any  point. 

IV.  The  Commission  ought,  occasionally,  to  release  some  great 
messages  upon  the  themes  which  are  so  vital  to  a right  conception 
and  conviction  of  this  type  of  collective  Christian  effort. 


A General  Principle. 

In  all  of  its  relations  the  Commission  would  seek  to  render  a 
service  looking  to  greater  efficiency.  The  autonomy  of  all  local  federa- 
tions and  of  the  various  participating  organizations  would  not  be  in- 
terfered with  in  any  manner  except  as  they,  by  mutual  conference,  may 
be  persuaded  to  adopt  new  measures  which  seem  to  be  in  the  best 
interest  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 


6 


SUGGESTIONS  TO  THE  CONFERENCE. 


In  submitting  the  above  for  the  consideration  of  the  Conference, 
the  Special  Committee  wishes  to  reaffirm  the  earlier  statement  concern- 
ing the  liberty  which  it  is  hoped  will  characterize  the  discussions  and 
utterances  of  the  Conference,  and  does  not  wish  in  any  way  to  limit 
the  range  of  topics  to  be  discussed  so  long  as  they  seem  germane  to 
the  work  contemplated  by  the  Commission.  It  does  seem  to  the  Com- 
mittee, however,  to  be  of  vital  importance  that  definite  recommendations 
from  the  Conference  should  be  developed  covering  the  following  points: 

1.  The  nature  of  the  organization  of  such  a commission,  including 
the  method  of  appointment  and  the  personnel. 

2.  The  reasonable  functions  of  such  a commission  in  its  relation 
to  participating  organizations. 

3.  The  general  methods  to  be  developed  in  reference  to  local 
church  federations. 

4.  The  general  methods  to  be  developed  in  reference  to  state 
church  federations. 

5.  What  responsibility  should  this  Commission  assume  in  giving 
general  publicity  to  successes  achieved  through  co-operative  Christian 
efforts? 

6.  What  working  relationship  shall  this  Commission  sustain  to 
the  other  commissions  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America?  (Note:  It  is,  of  course,  clearly  understood  that  this  Con- 
ference has  no  authority  in  the  question  of  the  basis  of  organization 
of  the  Federal  Council,  but  a discussion  of  this  topic  may  be  essential 
to  the  intelligent  understanding  of  the  task  of  this  Commission.) 

7.  What  co-operation  could  this  Commission  give  to  conventions, 
conferences,  and  meetings  held  by  participating  organizations? 

8.  What  co-operation  could  the  participating  organizations  give  to 
an  occasional  conference  held  under  the  auspices  of  this  Commission? 

9.  How  could  this  Commission  render  a great  service  to  united 
Protestant  Evangelical  Christianity  in  this  Continent  by  the  use  of 
outstanding  Christian  messengers? 

10.  What  features  of  the  message  or  of  the  method  of  such  a 
Commission,  ought  to  be  most  strongly  emphasized? 

In  submitting  this  statement,  we  covet  prayerful  consideration  and 
free  discussion  of  the  suggested  topics,  and  of  any  others  which  may 
be  developed  in  the  sessions  of  the  conference. 


Respectfully  yours. 


FRED  B.  SMITH,  Chairman, 
ALFRED  WMS.  ANTHONY, 
SAMUEL  Z.  BATTEN, 

JOHN  M.  GLENN, 

ALBERT  G.  LAWSON, 
CHARLES  S.  MACFARLAND, 
(Ex-Officio)  Secretary, 
Committee. 


7 


MINUTES  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  ON  INTERCHURCH  ACTIVITIES. 

First  Session,  Thursday  Morning,  10:00. 

The  Conference  on  inter-church  activities  of  denominational  and 
interdenominational  organizations  met  in  the  St.  James  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  Atlantic  City,  on  Thursday,  June  3,  1915,  at  10:00  A.M. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Rev.  Frank  Mason  North, 
Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 

Greetings  were  offered  to  the  Conference  by  Rev.  William  W. 
Blatchford,  Rector  of  the  Church  in  which  the  Conference  met. 

Prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Albert  G.  Lawson. 

Opening  remarks  were  made  by  Dr.  North,  who  introduced  as  the 
presiding  officer  of  the  conference,  Mr.  Fred  B.  Smith,  Chairman  of 
the  Special  Committee  on  Federated  Movements  of  the  Federal  Council, 

Prayer  was  offered  by  Mr.  James  G.  Cannon. 

Introductory  remarks  were  made  by  the  Chairman,  Mr.  Smith. 

Mr.  Will  R.  Moody  of  East  Northfield  then  conducted  the  opening 
service  with  reference  to  prayer. 

Mr.  John  M.  Glenn  of  New  York  City,  a member  of  the  Special 
Committee,  gave  a statement  with  reference  to  the  scope  and  purpose 
of  the  conference. 

A telegram  was  read  from  Rev.  W.  J.  Williamson  of  the  Third 
Baptist  Church,  St.  Louis,  explaining  his  inability  to  take  the  place 
allotted  him  on  the  program.  It  is  as  follows: 

“Serious  and  sudden  illness  of  wife  makes  it  impossible  for  me  to 
come  to  convention,  I regret  my  absence  more  than  for  many  similar 
gatherings  in  my  whole  life.  Count  on  me  for  any  service  I can  render 
in  your  divinely  appointed  program.  The  men  at  Atlantic  City  are 
speaking  for  generations  unborn.  Your  message  will  be  the  greatest 
of  this  generation.” 

The  Chairman  then  named  the  Committee  on  Findings,  to  whom 
the  resolutions  of  the  conference  should  be  referred  for  consideration 
and  report.  The  committee  consisted  of  Harry  Wade  Hicks,  Chairman, 
W.  C.  Pearce,  William  iShaw,  F.  B.  Shipp,  W.  B.  Millar,  C.  J.  Meddis, 
Rev.  A.  G.  Lawson,  Hubert  Carlton,  and  Mrs.  R.  E.  Speer. 

The  morning  session  then  adjourned. 

Second  Session,  Thursday  Afternoon,  2:15. 

Rev.  H.  R.  Miles  of  New  Haven  led  in  prayer. 

The  Chairman  then  asked  the  representatives  of  the  various  organ- 
izations to  stand. 

There  were  present  44  representatives  from  the  different  organiza- 
tions. 

Rev.  William  C.  Covert  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Chicago, 
conducted  the  opening  service  with  reference  to  evangelism. 

Rev.  H.  F.  Swartz  led  in  prayer. 

Mr.  W.  C.  Pearce  submitted  a report  of  the  joint  Bible  Study  and 
Brotherhood  conferences  held  in  Chicago,  June  25th  and  26th,  1914 
and  also  in  Buffalo,  December  ISth  and  16th,  1914.  This  report  revealed 
the  fact  that  the  consideration  of  the  interdenominational  relations 
of  the  brotherhoods  and  bible  classes  had  been  left  by  those  gatherings 
for  this  conference. 


8 


Rev.  Samuel  Zane  Batten  spoke  for  the  Special  Committee  of  the 
Federal  Council. 

Rev.  Albert  G.  Lawson  also  spoke  as  a member  of  the  Special 
Committee. 

The  report  of  the  Special  Committee  on  Federated  Movements  of 
the  Federal  Council  was  then  submitted  in  printed  form  to  the  con- 
ference, and  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Findings,  Mr.  Hicks, 
submitted  for  consideration  the  question  as  to  whether  there  should 
be  such  a commission  on  Federated  Movements  as  outlined  in  the  re- 
port of  the  Special  Committee. 

Moved  by  Rev.  Samuel  Z.  Batten  that  such  a commission  be  ap- 
pointed. 

Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

In  answer  to  a request,  a statement  was  made  by  Dr.  Macfarland, 
General  Secretary  of  the  Federal  Council,  explaining  how  the  present 
commissions  of  the  Council  have  been  organized. 

The  conference  then  entered  upon  a discussion  of  the  method  of 
appointment  of  such  a commission. 

Rev.  E.  M.  Bliss  and  Rev.  S.  Z.  Batten  thought  that  such  a com- 
mission should  be  appointed  directly  by  the  Federal  Council. 

Mr.  F.  L.  Brown  thought  that  it  would  be  better  to  have  the  ap- 
pointments made  by  the  participating  organizations. 

Mr.  Richard  C.  Morse  suggested  that  both  methods  could  be  com- 
bined by  having  the  Federal  Council  appoint,  after  consultation  with 
the  participating  agencies. 

Mr.  R.  E.  Diffendorfer  and  Mr.  W.  C.  Pearce  called  for  a discus- 
sion of  the  functions  of  such  a commission.  Mr.  Diffendorfer  moved 
that  one  of  the  functions  be  an  annual  conference  of  the  representatives 
of  the  participating  organizations,  as  outlined  in  suggestion  number  1 
of  the  report  of  the  Special  Committee,  with  reference  to  the  functions 
of  the  participating  societies. 

Seconded  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

Mr.  Marion  Lawrence  spoke  in  favor  of  this  annual  conference  of 
the  participating  societies. 

Mr.  J.  Campbell  White  and  Rev.  Frank  Mason  North  discussed  the 
question  of  the  relation  of  the  proposed  commission  to  state  and  local 
federations. 

After  concluding  remarks  by  the  Chairman,  Mr.  Smith,  the  after- 
noon session  adjourned. 


Third  Session,  Thursday  Evening,  8:15. 

Mr.  FI.  F.  Laflamme  led  in  the  opening  prayer. 

Registration  cards  were  distributed,  which  revealed  the  attendance 
of  88  persons,  representing  the  different  organizations  participating. 

Prof.  Harry  F.  Ward  of  Boston  conducted  the  opening  service, 
with  special  reference  to  Christian  social  emphasis. 

Mr.  Raymond  Robins  led  in  prayer. 

Mr.  Fred  S.  Goodman  moved  to  approve  suggestions  2 and  3 of  the 
Special  Committee,  with  reference  to  the  functions  of  the  proposed 
Commission  in  its  relation  to  the  participating  societies. 


9 


Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

The  Chairman,  Mr.  Hicks,  made  a statement  for  the  Findings  Com- 
mittee, to  make  clear  certain  points. 

Rev.  R.  W.  Miller  moved  to  approve  recommendations  1 and  2 of 
the  preamble  in  the  report  of  the  Special  Committee. 

Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

Rev.  C.  R.  Zahniser  moved  that  local  federations  have  a representa- 
tion on  the  proposed  commission. 

Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

Mr.  John  R.  Mott  then  gave  an  address  on  the  “Processes  by 
which  the  Christian  Forces  of  America  may  be  drawn  together.” 

Rev.  William  W.  Blatchford  dismissed  the  conference  with  prayer 
and  benediction. 


Fourth  Session,  Friday  Morning,  9:15. 


The  conference  opened  with  devotional  exercises  led  by  the  Chair- 
man, Mr.  Smith. 

Prayer  was  offered  by  Col.  E.  W.  Halford  and  Mrs.  Robert  E. 
Speer. 

The  Chairman  made  an  announcement  that  very  many  messages 
had  been  received  from  persons  who  were  compelled  to  be  absent  from 
the  conference  but  who  were  vitally  interested  in  the  things  to  be 
considered. 

Mr.  J.  Campbell  White  conducted  the  opening  service  with  special 
reference  to  missionary  responsibility. 

Mr.  C.  R.  Joy  led  in  prayer. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  day  were  read,  and  after  suggestions, 
approved. 

Reports  of  work  done  in  local  federations  were  then  made  by  Rev. 
Walter  Laidlaw  of  the  New  York  City  Federation,  E.  Graham  Wilson, 
Men’s  Federation,  West  Side,  New  York,  Rev.  G.  W.  Benn  of  the  Dallas 
Council  of  Churches,  Mr.  C.  J.  Meddis  of  the  Men’s  Federation  of 
Louisville,  Rev.  C.  R.  Zahniser.  General  Secretary  of  the  Christian  Social 
Service  Union  of  Pittsburgh,  Rev.  Clair  E.  Ames  of  the  St.  Louis  Fed- 
eration of  Churches,  Mr.  A.  A.  Heald  of  the  Laymen’s  Federation  of 
Maine,  Rev.  C.  O.  Gill  of  the  Commission  on  Inter-Church  Co-Operation 
in  Ohio,  and  William  Shaw  for  the  State  Federation  of  Massachusetts. 

Rev.  William  C.  Covert  added  some  remarks  with  reference  to  the 
work  done  in  Chicago,  and  William  T.  Ellis  for  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Hicks  reported  for  the  Committee  on  Findings,  giving  their 
recommendations. 

The  items  of  this  report  were  taken  up  one  by  one  for  consideration. 

Item  number  1 was  discussed  at  length.  Rev.  F.  M.  North  and 
Rev.  A.  G.  Lawson  made  statements  in  behalf  of  the  Federal  Council. 

Mr.  Fred  S.  Goodman  moved  a preamble  to  express  the  moral  obli- 
gation of  the  participating  delegates  to  further  any  action  that  might 
be  taken  by  the  conference. 

Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Findings. 


10 


Col.  E.  W.  Halford,  Mr.  W.  C.  Pearce,  Mrs.  Robert  E.  Speer, 
Mr.  J.  Campbell  White,  Rev.  Henry  A.  Atkinson,  Mr.  Marion  Lawrence, 
Mr.  Fred  B.  Shipp,  Mr.  William  Shaw,  Rev.  Hubert  Carlton,  Rev.  S.  Z. 
Batten  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Vermilye  made  statements  expressing,  in 
general,  cordial  approval  of  the  report  of  the  Findings  Committee. 

William  Shaw  moved  that  the  final  findings  be  submitted  to  all  the 
organizations  represented,  and  that  unless  objections  be  made,  it  be 
understood  by  the  Federal  Council  that  these  organizations  approve. 

Seconded,  and  referred  to  the  Findings  Committee. 

The  session  was  closed  with  prayer  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Wells. 


Fifth  Session,  Friday  Afternoon,  2:15. 

The  final  session  of  the  Conference  was  opened  with  prayer  by 
the  Chairman,  Fred  B.  Smith.  Bishop  P.  M.  Rhinelander  of  Philadelphia 
conducted  the  opening  service  with  special  reference  to  bible  study  as 
related  to  Religious  Education. 

Mr.  E.  L.  Shuey  moved  that  item  3 of  the  afternoon’s  program 
be  omitted. 

Seconded  and  carried. 

Mr.  Harry  Wade  Hicks  made  a final  report  for  the  Findings  Com- 
mittee. 

This  report  was  adopted  unanimously  by  a rising  vote. 

It  is  as  follows: 


FINDINGS. 


Having  discussed  carefully  the  different  questions  listed  m the 
printed  statement,  some  of  which  were  referred  by  the  committee  to 
the  conference,  the  committee  submit  the  following  findings  for  con- 
sideration and  adoption  by  the  Conference  as  expressive  of  its  best 
judgment. 

I.  None  of  the  findings  of  this  Conference  are  to  be  considered 
as  binding  upon  the  organizations  here  represented,  or  as  interfering 
with  their  freedom  of  initiative  and  administration.  The  commission 
in  its  relation  to  the  agencies  represented  in  this  Conference  should  not 
be  administrative,  but  the  commission  should  hold  itself  ready  for 
counsel  on  matters  that  are  of  mutual  interest  to  the  commission  and 
any  of  the  agencies  named  in  the  printed  list  of  invitations  to  this  Con- 
ference, or  any  similar  agency  that  may  hereafter  fall  within  this  gen- 
eral class  of  organizations. 

II.  A Commission  on  Federated  Movements  such  as  that  outlined 
in  general  in  the  statement  presented  to  this  Conference  on  behalf  of 
the  Federal  Council  is  urgently  needed,  and  should  be  organized  by 
the  Federal  Council. 

III.  The  Commission  should  be  appointed  by  the  Federal  Council 
itself.  A part  of  its  members  should  be  selected  with  special  reference 
to  their  personal  knowledge  of  and  experience  in  'the  different  phases 
of  federative  Christian  activities,  and  a considerable  number  of  other 
members  should  be  those  who  in  addition  to  the  qualifications  already 
named  should  represent  unofficially  the  interests  of  the  organizations 
invited  to  send  delegates  to  this  Conference,  as  listed  in  the  printed 
announcement.  In  the  case  of  the  latter  class  of  members  it  is  sug- 
gested that  their  appointment  be  made  by  the  Federal  Council  after 
consultation  with  the  organizations  whose  unofficial  representation  is 
desired. 


11 


IV.  While  recognizing  that  this  Commission,  like  all  other  commis- 
sions of  the  Federal  Council,  would  outline  its  own  program  of  work, 
and  therefore  determine  its  own  function,  this  Conference  would  urge 
upon  the  consideration  of  the  proposed  Commission  the  following  lines 
of  effort  in  the  hope  that  a definite  and  constructive  program  may  be 
undertaken  by  the  Commission  from  the  beginning. 

1.  To  arrange,  within  the  next  twelve  months  a Conference 
fully  representing  the  interests  of  the  agencies  participating  or  in" 
vited  to  participate  here  in  these  deliberations  of  such  duration  and 
with  such  a program  as  shall  provide  for  the  fullest  possible  inter- 
change of  knowledge  concerning  the  nature  of  these  organizations, 
their  present  and  projected  plans,  policies  and  programs,  thus  pro- 
moting mutual  acquaintance  and  goodwill  among  their  leaders,  and 
facilitating  such  co-operative  effort  as  these  organizations  themselves 
may  desire  to  undertake. 

2.  To  make  a careful  study  of  the  present  status  of  federative 
Christian  activity  through  State  and  Local  federations  of  churches, 
including  their  organization  and  method  and  program  of  work,  in 
order  to  discover  in  the  light  of  actual  experience,  policies  for  such 
federations  now  organized  or  to  be  organized,  worthy  of  their 
thorough  consideration  as  they  undertake  to  serve  their  respective 
states  or  communities,  and  to  make  available  the  results  of  this  study 
to  any  who  may  be  in  a position  to  profit  by  its  use. 

3.  To  strengthen  existing  federations  by  co-operation  with  their 
officers  and  committees. 

4.  To  encourage  the  organization  of  new  federations  in  selec- 
ted places,  laying  emphasis  not  upon  the  number  of  such  new 
organizations  but  upon  thoroughness  and  comprehensiveness  of  effort 
in  relation  to  existing  needs. 

5.  To  make  a study  of  the  policies  and  programs  of  local 
federations  with  special  reference  to  their  relationships  to  the 
policies  and  programs  of  the  agencies  represented  in  this  Conference, 
making  the  results  of  this  study  available  to  the  leaders  of  the 
agencies  whose  interests  are  involved. 

6.  To  give  due  consideration  to  any  other  forms  of  activity 
that  are  now  bringing  churches  together  in  co-operative  efforts, 
such  as  federations  of  men’s  organizations  and  church  athletic  teams. 

Various  other  items  that  had  been  referred  to  the  Findings 
Committee  were  also  reported  upon  by  Mr.  Hicks,  and  the  recom- 
mendations of  the  Findings  Committee  with  reference  to  them  were 
adopted.  These  recommendations  are  as  follows: 


SPECIAL  FINDINGS. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Conference  that  the  Administrative  Com- 
mittee of  the  Federal  Council  should  take  up  with  the  Constituent 
Bodies  of  the  Council,  the  various  Commissions  of  the  Council  and  the 
organizations  here  represented,  the  matter  of  making  suggestions  to  the 
Bureau  of  the  Census  at  Washington  concerning  information  on  religious 
subjects  which  might,  if  gathered  in  the  Religious  Census  of  1916, 
prove  valuable  to  the  various  religious  agencies  of  the  country. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Conference  that  the  findings  here  agreed 
upon  be  sent  as  information  by  the  Federal  Council  to  the  organizations 
invited  to  participate  and  any  others  now  or  later  to  be  considered  by 
the  Council  as  falling  in  this  class  of  organizations,  and  that  any  ex- 
pression of  judgment  concerning  the  findings  by  any  of  these  agencies 
be  sent  directly  to  the  Federal  Council. 


12 


Concerning  the  resolutions  referred  to  the  Committee  dealing  with 
the  authority  of  those  present  to  represent  officially  their  respective 
agencies,  and  the  matter  of  earnest  endorsement  of,  and  assurance  of 
moral  support  to  the  Commission  in  giving  effectiveness  to  the  measures 
proposed  in  the  findings,  the  Committee  are  of  the  opinion  that  the 
presence  and  participation  of  the  individuals  in  this  Conference,  the 
common  feeling  of  interest  in  the  proposal  as  manifested  by  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  hours  spent  together,  the  spirit  of  the  discussions  and 
reports,  and  the  unanimity  of  the  Conference  in  its  final  vote  adopting 
the  findings,  prove  sufficiently  the  attitude  of  the  members  of  the  Con- 
ference, and  their  desire  to  see  the  plans  made  effective.  With  reference 
to  the  final  resolution  referred  by  the  Conference  to  the  Committee 
concerning  representation  on  the  Commission  of  the  point  of  view  of 
local  federation,  the  Committee  understands  that  this  is  provrded  for  in 
the  foregoing  findings  through  the  inclusion  of  representation  of  state 
and  local  federations  in  the  list  of  agencies  represented  in  the  Con- 
ference. 

In  the  case  of  the  resolution  concerning  functions  II  and  III  re- 
lating to  agencies  participating  in  this  Conference  as  printed  in  the 
report  presented  by  the  Federal  Council,  as  well  as  in  the  case  of  all 
the  other  questions  presented  on  page  three  of  the  report  and  that  have 
not  yet  been  discussed  by  the  Conference,  the  Committee  feel  that  the 
Commission,  when  organized  as  proposed  by  these  findings,  will  pro- 
ceed to  incorporate  such  of  these  methods  in  its  program  or  by  counsel 
with  the  agencies  involved  as  may  from  time  to  time  seem  mutually 
desirable. 


Signed, 

Hubert  Carleton 
Albert  G.  Lawson 
C.  J.  Meddis 
W.  C.  Pearce 
William  Shaw 
F.  B.  Shipp 
W.  B.  Millar,  Secretary 
Mrs.  Robert  E.  Speer 
H.  W.  Hicks,  Chairman 

Committee. 


Gratitude  was  expressed  by  the  Chairman  on  behalf  of  the  Confer- 
ence to  Dr.  Blatchford,  Rector  of  St.  James  Church  for  his  courtesy 
to  the  Conference. 

Rev.  Peter  Ainslie  of  Baltimore  gave  the  final  address  upon  the 
“Possibilities  of  a United  Christianity.” 

J.  Campbell  White  led  in  prayer. 

Benediction  by  the  Rev.  Peter  Ainslie. 

The  Conference  was  adjourned  sine  die. 


13 


THE  CONFERENCE  ROLL. 


Name 


Address 


Rev.  Peter  Ainslie 
Miss  Mary  Louise  Allen 
Rev.  Clair  E.  Ames 

Henry  A.  Atkinson 
Mrs  Henry  A.  Atkinson 
Samuel  Zane  Batten 
Rev.  Geo.  W.  Benn 
Howard  Billman 

Rev.  Edwin  M.  Bliss 

Frank  L.  Brown 

Ralph  W.  Brown 

A.  M.  Bruner 

E.  B.  Buckalew 

Rev.  Warren  L.  Bunger 

Isaac  B.  Burgess 

James  G.  Cannon 

Mrs.  James  G.  Cannon 

Hubert  Carleton 

H.  K.  Carroll 

Mrs.  Wm.  E.  Chalmers 

Wm.  E.  Chalmers 

Mrs.  Chas.  F.  Chase 

Mr.  Rolfe  Cobleigh 

Rev.  Wm.  C.  Covert 

Edwin  S.  Craig 

Miss  Edith  Manville  Dabb 

R.  E.  Diffendorfer 

Chas.  W.  Dorsey 

H.  Paul  Douglass 

James  W.  Eddy 

Wm.  T.  Ellis 

Page  McK.  Etchison 

Geo.  J.  Fisher 

Rev.  Chas.  Kendall  Gilbert 

C.  O.  Gill 

John  M.  Glenn 

Fred  S.  Goodman 

Roy  B.  Guild 

Mrs.  Roy  B.  Guild 

Sidney  L.  Gulick 

E.  M.  Halford 

Wm.  R.  Hall 

Shelby  M.  Harrison 
Emma  Hays 
A.  A.  Heald 
Herbert  L.  Hill 
Jos.  A.  Hill 
Mrs.  P.  F.  Jerome 
P.  F.  Jerome 
C.  R.  Joy 
Mrs.  C.  R.  Joy 
H.  O.  Right 
Alfred  R.  Kimball 
Walter  Laidlaw 
Rev.  H.  F.  Lafiamme 
Rev.  Wm.  E.  Lampe 
David  G.  Latshaw 
Rev.  Albert  G.  Lawson 


Christian  Temple,  Baltimore,  Md. 

600  Lexington  Ave.,  New  York  City 
623  New  Bank  of  Commerce  Bldg., 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 

14  Beacon  St.,  Boston,  Mass. 

Boston,  Mass. 

1701  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Dallas,  Texas 

623  New  Bank  of  Commerce  Bldg., 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Census  Bureau,  Washington,  D.  C. 

216  Metropolitan  Tower,  N.  Y.  City 
West  Side  Y.M.C.A.,  New  York  City 
1106  La  Salle  St.  Station,  Chicago,  111. 
Moody  Bible  Institute,  Chicago,  111. 
Greensburg,  Pa. 

835  Broad  St.,  Newark,  N.  J. 

100  Broadway,  New  York  City 

Broad  Exchange  Bldg.,  Boston,  Mass. 
Woodward  Bldg.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Lansdowne,  Pa. 

1701  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

12  Prospect  Ave.,  Montclair,  N.  J. 

14  Beacon  St.,  Boston,  Mass. 

4108  Grand  Blvd.,  Chicago,  111. 
Columbia  Bank  Bldg.,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
600  Lexington  Ave.,  New  York  City 
156  Fifth  Ave.,  New  York  City 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

287  Fourth  Ave.,  New  York  City. 
Atlantic  City,  N.  J. 

Swarthmore,  Pa. 

Y.M.C.A.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City_ 

434  Lafayette  St.,  New  York  City 
Columbus,  Ohio 

130  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
New  York  City 

105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
150  Fifth  Ave.,  New  York  City 
808  Witherspoon  Bldg.,  Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

130  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
600  Lexington  Ave.,  New  York  City 
Waterville,  Me. 

Metropolitan  Tower,  New  York  City 
Census  Bureau,  Washington,  D.  C. 

124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 

124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
Keokuk,  Iowa 

Keokuk,  Iowa 
Atlantic  City,  N.  J. 

15  Wall  St.,  New  York  City 
200  Fifth  Ave.,  New  York  City 

125  Cutler  Bldg.,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 

15th  & Race  Sts.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
Jamaica,  N.  Y. 


14 


Name 


Address 


Marion  Lawrence 
Rev.  Chas.  S.  Macfarland 
Mrs.  Chas.  S.  Macfarland 
Rev.  Ed.  M.  McConoughey 
C.  J.  Meddis 

Rev.  Harry  R.  Miles 
Wm.  B.  Millar 
Rev.  Rufus  W.  Miller 
Richard  C.  Morse 
John  R.  Mott 
Rev.  Frank  Mason  North 
Rev.  James  Palmer 
W.  C.  Pearce 
Daniel  Poling 
R.  Llewelyn  Rees 
Raymond  Robins 
Rev.  Samuel  Semple 
Wm.  Shaw 
Edwin  L.  Shuey 
Fred  B.  Smith 
Mrs.  Fred  B.  Smith 
Mrs.  Robt.  E.  Speer 
Rev.  Chas.  Stelzle 
Wm.  C.  Stoever 
H.  F.  Swartz 
Rev.  Chas.  E.  Schaeffer 
Rev.  Wm.  Dana  Street 
R.  Howard  Taylor 
R.  C.  Tillinghast 
Chas.  R.  Towson 
Miss  Eliz.  B.  Vermilye 
W.  T.  Wallace 

Prof.  Harry  F.  Ward 
Rus.sell  M.  Weaver 
F.  H.  Wells 
J.  Campbell  White 
J.  A.  Whitmore 
Mrs.  F.  W.  Wilcox 
E.  Graham  Wilson 
Rev.  Ed.  M.  Wistar 
Mrs.  E.  M.  Wistar 

Rev.  Chas.  Reed  Zahniser 


1416  Mailers  Bldg.,  Chicago,  111. 

105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
Mountain  Lakes,  N.  J. 

105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
R.  1116  Inter.  Southern  Bldg.,  Louis- 
ville, Ky. 

New  Haven,  Conn. 

1 Madison  Ave.,  New  York  City 
15th  and  Race  Sts.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
New  York 

7 W.  S5th  St.,  New  York  City 
1416  Mailers  Bldg.,  Chicago,  111. 
Columbus,  Ohio 

324  W.  88th  St.,  New  York  City 
Chicago,  111. 

Titusville,  Pa. 

Tremont  Temple,  Boston,  Mass. 
Dayton,  Ohio 

41st  St.  & Madison  Ave.,  N.  Y.  City 
White  Plains,  N.  Y. 

Englewood,  N.  J. 

200  Fifth  Ave.,  New  York  City 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
15th  & Race  Sts.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

4 Ridgeview  Ave.,  White  Plains,  N.  Y. 
702  Hale  Bldg.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

529  W.  111th  St.,  New  York  City 
124  E.  28th  St.,  New  York  City 
Montclair,  N.  J. 

3715  Spring  Garden  St.,  Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

Boston,  Mass. 

Corinth,  Miss. 

914  Monadnock  Block,  Chicago,  111. 

1 Madison  Ave.,  New  York  City 
105  E.  22nd  St.,  New  York  City 
287  Fourth  Ave.,  New  York  City 
Y.M.C.A.,  New  York  City 
Provident  Bldg.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
5449  Wayne  Ave.,  Germantown,  Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

People’s  Bank  Bldg.,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


•S'4^ 


15 


ACTION  OF  THE  ADMINISTRATIVE  COMMITTEE  OF  THE  FEDERAL 

COUNCIL. 

JUNE  10,  1915. 

The  following  resolution  was  most  cordially  adopted  at  the  regular 
meeting  of  the  Administrative  Committee  held  in  New  York  City, 
June  10th,  1915,  and  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  all  participating  or- 
ganizations: 

“Whereas,  the  Executive  Committee  has  authorized  the  establishment 
of  a Commission  on  Federated  Movements,  and 

“Whereas,  the  President  of  the  Federal  Council  is  empowered  to 
appoint  the  members  of  all  Commissions,  therefore 

“Resolved,  That  the  Committee  in  charge  of  the  Atlantic  City  Con- 
ference on  Federated  Movements  nominate  to  the  President  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Commission. 


ADDRESS  COMMUNICATIONS  TO 

Rev.  ROY  B.  GUILD 

Associate  Secretary 

105  EAST  22nd  STREET 
NEW  YORK  CITY 


16 


L-7« 


